Published: August 27, 2026
Author: Siobhan King-Hughes
In Part 1 of this series, we covered what’s already required under PPWR as of 12 August 2026. This article covers what’s coming next – the key dates through to 2040.
12 February 2027
- Penalties come into force across all Member States.
- HORECA businesses must let customers bring their own containers for takeaway.
- EPR symbols move to digital-only – a printed symbol like the Green Dot won’t be enough on its own.
2028–2029: labelling, empty space and takeaway
| Date | Obligation |
| 12 Feb 2028 | Sales packaging empty space reduced to the minimum necessary |
| 12 Feb 2028 | Takeaway sector must offer reusable packaging at no extra cost |
| 12 Feb 2028 | Tea and coffee bags, and fruit/veg stickers, must be compostable |
| 13 Sep 2028 (earliest) | Harmonised sorting label mandatory on pack |
| 1 Jan 2029 | 90% separate collection of bottles and cans; deposit and return system required |
| 13 Mar 2029 (earliest) | Reuse label plus digital carrier required |
1 January 2030 – the big one
This is where packaging requirements themselves change, not just documentation.
- Recyclability becomes a condition of market access – packaging is graded A, B or C, and anything below grade C can’t be sold.
- Minimum recycled content applies to plastic packaging.
- Certain formats are banned outright, including single-use grouped packaging, small fresh produce packaging, and hotel toiletry miniatures.
- Grouped, transport and e-commerce packaging faces a maximum 50% empty space ratio.
- Reuse targets begin for transport, grouped and beverage packaging.
Minimum recycled content in plastic packaging (post-consumer recyclate only):
| Plastic packaging type | From 2030 | From 2040 |
| Contact-sensitive, PET-major | 30% | 50% |
| Contact-sensitive, non-PET | 10% | 25% |
| Single-use beverage bottles | 30% | 65% |
| All other plastic packaging | 35% | 65% |
Reuse targets:
| Packaging | 2030 | 2040 |
| Transport packaging | 40% | 70% |
| Grouped packaging (boxes) | 10% | 25% |
| Beverages in sales packaging | 10% | 40% |
2035–2040
| Year | Change |
| 2035 | Recyclability must be proven in practice, not just designed for |
| 2038 | Only grade A or B recyclability remains acceptable |
| 2040 | Recycled content and reuse targets rise further |
If you have questions, contact us to set up a discussion on how this timeline affects your business.
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